Davido was gearing up for 2020 to be another storybook chapter in his successful career. Between introducing his newborn boy to the world — whom he and fiancee Chioma Rowland welcomed in October — a 19-date U.S. tour, and the release of his anticipated third album, the Nigerian artist had ambitious plans in store.
That was until the COVID-19 pandemic shocked the world’s ecosystem in March, bringing the entertainment world to a standstill. The novel coronavirus outbreak would also affect Davido personally, as his fiancee tested positive, much to the shock of the Nigerian pop star. After what Davido jokes to estimate about “100 fights” between him and his love, Chioma, she’s made a full recovery and has had a pair of negative tests.
With the 27-year-old adjusting to the new normal, Davido’s focus turned back to the music on April 24, which saw the release of his opulent “D & G” visual featuring Summer Walker. Following multiple failed attempts at getting the R&B singer’s attention, Davido opted for a different route to ultimately complete the collaboration he envisioned by contacting her boyfriend, London On Da Track, who tweaked the Kidddominant production and also appears in the video draped in silky Dolce & Gabbana threads.
“I’ve been wearing Dolce since I was a kid. Back home in Nigeria, once you make money, it’s one of the first designers that you would buy. We’ll always put that in our song,” Davido explains of the Italian designer’s allure. “Over here, designer is a sign of wealth. Everybody likes to be clean and switch-up.”
Even though he enjoys the fruits of his labor, Davido made sure to find a way to parlay his latest visual into a philanthropic venture, as he’s pledged the proceeds from the colorful “D & G” visual to research toward a coronavirus vaccine through the Dolce & Gabbana and Humanitas Together for Coronavirus Research fund.
“It’s crazy out here [in Lagos], but I won’t lie to you — it could be worse,” he admits. “Shout-out to the Ministry of Health and the governor of Lagos state, musicians, and my family, who has donated over $2 million to feed people. The citizens and a lot of rich people … have been donating a lot of money, and that’s [provided] relief.”
The news comes on the heels of Davido already donating $1.3 million to the Nigerian government and more than $600,000 worth of rice meals to citizens earlier in April to ease the suffering that the coronavirus pandemic has presented in his home country.
“I’ve just been recording and not doing much. I’m catching up on shows and staying close to family and trying to plan ahead. I had to move my tour. I had 19 sold-out shows, bro!” he states with obvious disappointment before professing his hopes to reschedule his trek for 2021.
On a brighter note, Davido predicts that he’ll be putting the finishing touches on his as-yet-untitled third album by the end of May, which is a far cry from the seven years fans waited between Omo Baba Olowo and 2019’s A Good Time. “Hopefully, this summer, I can get [the album] out,” he teases.
Watch the “D & G” video above and listen to Davido hop on Khalid’s “Know Your Worth” remix below.